New Traffic Controls At Free East Bay Coronavirus Test Center

HAYWARD, CA — A free coronavirus testing center in Hayward that does not require a doctor's referral has been crowded with people anxious to know if they have COVID-19. The City of Hayward announced new traffic and line management controls on Wednesday to meet the demand, and testing criteria changed on Thursday.

Effective immediately, people will be able to join drive-up and walk-up lines up until 10 a.m. each morning, and again between 1 and 4 p.m. in the afternoon.

The testing site can perform 370 tests each day, and the lines will be closed in the afternoon when the site reaches capacity. It performs tests from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The changes were made to ensure safe distancing between pedestrians, and manageable vehicle traffic.

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The testing center is at Hayward Fire Station #7, 28270 Huntwood Ave. Members of the general public should enter Huntwood Avenue at Industrial Boulevard—and then proceed north to a curbside screening location or the back of the line leading to it.

It was previously reported that the test is available to anyone as long as they fit in one of the categories in the bullet points below. However, the City of Hayward reports that the Alameda County Department of Public Health has ordered them to use stricter testing criteria. Originally, having a fever was not necessary for testing. Now, you must have a current fever of 100 degrees or higher to be tested.

• A fever above 100 degrees
• Over the age of 65
• Shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms
• Recent travel to Europe or Asia
• Recent exposure to confirmed or suspected coronavirus
• Other chronic diseases or conditions, such as diabetes, blood disorders, kidney or liver disease, heart, lung or neurological disease, and compromised immune system
• Currently or recently pregnant; or
• Homeless

First responders and healthcare workers with recent suspected exposure to coronavirus may make an appointment for testing by calling: 510-583-4949.

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